LG hosted a virtual press briefing last week to give us the scoop on their beefed up, high-efficiency residential and C&I solar modules. We’re talking more power, a better temperature coefficient and maybe the best AC module design you’ll find. Here are the updates.
LG’s AC module gets key in-house upgrades
Did you know LG makes its own microinverter? They don’t really advertise it, because it’s only available as part of its AC module, but this is a big deal. The latest AC solar module featuring LG’s integrated microinverter, the LG NeON 2 ACe, has some key design tweaks (a benefit of designing and manufacturing it all themselves) for easier installation, monitoring and use.
The design of LG’s new smart AC system allows for the factory-installed microinverter to be recessed into the frame of the panel and serve as one unit in conjunction with the junction box. The panel offers a straightforward installation, simplified accessories and no exposed DC connections. From an installation perspective, this design not only reduces Balance of System requirements compared to a typical inverter that might clutter a garage or outside walls, but it also reduces the opportunity for field installation errors.
The LG NeON 2 ACe has been designed with aesthetics in mind using thin, circular-shaped wires that give it a minimalistic appearance, thanks to its award-winning Cello technology. The implementation of this technology also improves the opportunity for light absorption resulting in an increase of power output. The new panels provide a sleek appearance on the end user’s home or building.
The LG NeON 2 ACe also includes a lifetime access to LG’s EnerVu monitoring plat-form so both customers and installers can track the long-term reliable performance and the real-time analytics of their solar system. It can also alert LG customer service to help address a technical issue remotely if one were to arise.
This new 60-cell panel features a power class of up to 365W, along with its integrated 320W microinverter.
NeON L5 now available (60 and 72 cell formats)
New 60- and 72-cell LG NeON 2 “L5” series solar modules designed to provide greater lifetime performance, through higher efficiency and improved technical characteristics for residential, industrial, and utility-scale applications compared to the previous model.
The L5 Black 60-cell model incorporates:
• an improved power class of up to 350W for sleek all-black backsheet modules with a 20.0 percent efficiency (compared to 335W output and 19.6 percent efficiency in the V5).
• an excellent temperature coefficient of -0.35%/C, compared to -0.36%/C for NeON 2 (V5) Black models.
• a tempered glass with high transmission anti-reflective coating.
Much like the N5 Black model, the L5 Black is being introduced in a uniform frame size that is consistent across both NeON 2 and NeON R product classes for greater operational efficiency.
An updated LG NeON 2 L5 72-cell model for commercial installations is also available up to 425W. NeON 2 panels offer higher efficiency by design with double-sided cell structure power generation that absorbs sunlight both from the front and from the rear of the module. 72-cell modules can be made with either a white backsheet for optimized front-side performance, or a transparent backsheet for overall greater system yield. Its flexible design also makes it easier to manage space when installing a large-scale system without sacrificing energy output.
What’s stayed the same? A great warranty
As with all LG NeON panels, these new modules are covered by LG’s “Triple 25-year Warranty” that includes low degradation performance that guarantees over 90 percent nameplate capacity after 25 years, product and limited labor reimbursement – all backed by a single company, which simplifies and streamlines long-term ownership and operation of solar arrays with LG L5 series modules.
LG’s NeON 2 ACe panels are manufactured and backed by a single company offering a 25-year limited warranty, which covers workmanship, performance, and a labor cost reimbursement (up to $450).
— Solar Builder magazine
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